Page 178 of A Mysterious Slave for the Lycan Prince

“If you put it like that, it sounds pretty difficult to find one.” Anthony grins.

“I was just about to say the same.” Elise giggles.

The twins soon turn the talk in a sillier direction, distracting us all for a while. It will be a stressful day, so it’s fun to engage in a lighter conversation with my friends. They are going to stay until I’ve tackled the rogue problem, which I’m thankful for. Some guards and warriors from Silverlake will remain to support us and help with the training. Once we are ready to defend ourselves, they’ll leave for their packs.

The first thing I want to do is a more symbolic act, though. I noticed that none of the slaves had moved out of the basement yet, so I decided to take matters into my own hands. Once we’re done with breakfast, Freya and I approach Ludovica.

“Ludovica,” I say. “I have a favor to ask from you.”

“Anything, Alpha,” she says politely while watching me through guarded eyes.

Freya breaks the tension by approaching her and taking her hand in hers. “Let’s go to the basement,” she tells her.

She blinks. “But—”

“I want everyone to move out of there and into better accommodations,” I tell her.

She nods thoughtfully, still skeptical but less guarded, while she leads us downstairs. I step down into the narrow hallway of the basement, noting how awful this place is. It’s freezing cold here and humid. There seems to be nothing, not even the most basic living standards.

No living creature should be here.

Young girls and guys, all skinny and pale, look at me through scared eyes when Ludovica gathers them. I swallow, wishing I had brought Anders with me. He has a better sense for people’s doubts and fears. Typical beta. “Hello. My name is Finn Alcott,” I greet them. “I saw some of you during the battle and the transition ceremony yesterday.”

“I’m here too.” Freya beams at them. “And you all know me.” She lets go of my hand to hurry towards a pretty brown-haired girl, the same girl that snuck onto the battlefield yesterday and probably alerted the other slaves of what was going on. “Gina!” she exclaims.

“Goddess, Freya!” Gina breaks the silence, hurrying into her arms. “I’m so happy you are going to stay here.”

“What happened?” Another girl scoots closer.

Freya giggles. “Well, it just so happens that I met my mate when he visited here, and he saved mine and Ryllis’ asses that night.”

“I’d say it was mutual saving,” I point out dryly.

Freya grins. “Steve carried Ryllis the whole way, and you even fended off a bunch of rogues. I’d say I didn’t do much.”

“Let’s agree to disagree,” I say with a smile.

She rolls her eyes. “I’m still me,” she promises her friends. “And I definitely won’t forget where I came from.”

“I know.” Gina beams at her. “No one here doubts you. Everyone just…”

“Thinks it’s all too good to believe,” Ludovica helps her.

That’s the reason I came down here. They need actions, not promises. “Alright, Ludovica, I’ve heard you’re the boss here.”

“More like a mom,” she says with a smile.

“That’s just another word for boss,” I point out, noticing how some of the girls and guys around me giggle. “As your new alpha, I need everyone here to move out of this awful basement and up to the higher floors of the pack house. Since we have to imprison half the pack warriors, you can choose any rooms you like. During the next weeks, we’ll find a final place for you, depending on where you see your future in the pack.”

I can hear surprised whispers.

Ludovica smiles hopefully. “I can help you make a plan, Alpha Finn. With the omegas and sla—”

“There are no slaves now,” I interrupt her. “Ocean Snow does not have any slaves anymore, just pack members. Everyone in this pack is going to be equal. But I would appreciate a list of pack members under your watch. Also, I need everyone to get checked out in the infirmary. Freya and Amaryllis already received an antidote in my home pack. No wolfsbane anymore, nothing to suppress your wolves. You’re free to shift whenever you want. I’ll make sure to help you reconnect with your wolves.”

“What about mates?” Gina asks shyly. She looks at Freya while the question was clearly directed at me.

“What do you mean?” I ask in return, not sure what she is talking about.

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